Young People Failing To Benefit From Drop In Unemployment

"Today’s unemployment figures bring little good news for the growing number of Britain’s 16-17 year olds not in education, employment or training. While overall unemployment may have fallen, the prospects for too many young people continue to decline. The rate of unemployed school leavers has now risen to 27%, a stark indication of how our education system is letting young people down.

"The businesses which make up our membership are consistently confronted with youngsters ill equipped for the world of work. The education system needs to ensure that young people leave school with the skills and aptitude that employers need. Without this far too many school leavers will have little to look forward to other than unemployment."